Astronomy Education Postdoctoral Fellow

Description

Astronomy Education Postdoctoral Fellow

Frostburg State University (FSU) is poised to become a regional leader in astronomy education and outreach with the reopening of its newly upgraded, state-of-the-art planetarium in Spring 2026. To support this growing vision, the Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences invites applications for a full-time, exempt Astronomy Education Postdoctoral Fellow, with an anticipated start date of July 1, 2026.

This three-year appointment is contingent on a successful first-year performance evaluation and grant funding. The position will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.The successful candidate will receive a partial University System of Maryland benefits package - including annual, personal, and sick leave; holidays; tuition remission; health, dental, vision, and life insurance; and retirement plans - as well as a $6,000 annual research budget to be used at their discretion.

Responsibilities

The fellow will bring fresh expertise in both astronomy and science education, advancing FSUs mission through innovative STEM outreach, high-quality teaching, and original research. The position will strengthen campus instruction and expand community engagement.

• *Planetarium Support*
• 41% annual workload, but overlaps with teaching and research
• K-12 STEM outreach
• Work with local schools to create custom planetarium curriculum
• Assist the director with producing and hosting planetarium shows and events
• *Research and Service*
• 33% annual workload
• Develop and pursue their own research agenda that includes astronomy education, or related science education topics
• Supported through some combination of teaching and outreach, so theres overlap with teaching and planetarium support
• Aim for at least one peer-reviewed publication per year (conference presentations count) and at least one refereed journal article by the end of the fellowship
• Integrate undergraduates into research where possible, leveraging small internal competitive funding in addition to the annual research budget
• Serve as a mentor for education majors and include them in research
• Collaborate with faculty in the Departments of Physical and Environmental Sciences and Education
• *Teaching*
• 26% annual workload
• Undergraduate courses, upper level if interested and time permits
• Fall
• Introduction to Astronomy
• 3 credits lecture and 2 credits lab
• Lecture uses planetarium
• Spring
• Physical Science
• 6 credits integrated lecture and lab
• Some components taught in planetarium
• Course is intended primarily for education majors
  
  

Minimum Qualifications

• Recent graduate or ABD with a PhD in Physics, Astronomy, or Education (with at least a Masters in Science Teaching or extensive experience teaching science if PhD is in Education)
• At least two years of teaching experience
• Ability to develop an independent research program that includes undergraduate students
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience researching science curriculum, preferably astronomy
• Experience in informal STEM education (e.g., museums, planetariums, science centers)
• Evidence of outreach and public engagement activities
  
  

About the University: A member institution of the University System of Maryland, Frostburg State University is a public, comprehensive, largely residential regional university offering programs in the sciences, education, business, the arts and humanities at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. FSU prides itself on being a dynamic, learning-centered institution that emphasizes teaching with opportunities for professional development and research. More than 4,000 students enroll yearly.

Ab ut the Area: FSU is located on a scenic 260-acre campus in the mountains of Western Maryland, a region rich in history, quaint shopping areas and eclectic cafes and food choices. The Western Maryland region is considered a four-season outdoor hub of recreational experiences offering activities such as hiking, mountain biking, water sports, snow skiing/boarding, golfing, climbing, etc. Frostburg offers a family-friendly college town feel with easy access to major cities like Pittsburgh, Washington, DC, and Baltimore. If you are looking for insightful colleagues, energetic students, and a great place to work and call home in a region with unlimited adventure seeking opportunities, FSU is for you!

To Apply:If you wish to apply, please visit

https://marylandconnect.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/FSU_Careers

Along with your application, please provide the following: 1) CV; 2) a cover letter; 3) research statement; 4) teaching statement; 5) names and contact information for three professional references.

For assurance of full consideration, please submit materials by January 31, 2026.